[08/09/06 - 12:00 AM]CBS to Sponsor Its Second Multicultural Sketch Comedy Talent Showcase in January 2007 to Be Directed by Rick Najera in Association with Aftra, East West Players, Nosotros, the Robey Theatre Company and Sag

[via press release from CBS]

CBS TO SPONSOR ITS SECOND MULTICULTURAL SKETCH COMEDY TALENT SHOWCASE IN JANUARY 2007 TO BE DIRECTED BY RICK NAJERA IN ASSOCIATION WITH AFTRA, EAST WEST PLAYERS, NOSOTROS, THE ROBEY THEATRE COMPANY AND SAG

Pictures and Resumes Should Be Sent to AFTRA by Friday September 8, 2006

CBS will sponsor its second talent showcase for multicultural sketch comedians in January 2007 in Los Angeles. Executive Producer and Writer Rick Najera ("Mad TV," "In Living Color") will again direct the showcase for CBS.

"Rick's energy and creativity are a winning combination. Our first multicultural sketch comedy showcase was a hit and we are very excited to have him back," said Josie Thomas, CBS Senior Vice President, Diversity.

Pictures and resumes should be sent to AFTRA, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 9th floor, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036 -- Att: Ron Thomas. The deadline for submissions is September 8, 2006. Please note: the showcase is focused on African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander actors and performers with disabilities who should possess extensive sketch comedy experience. Each audition will require a one-minute original monologue.

CBS Entertainment executives, plus casting directors from the Network's primetime and daytime programs, will be on hand at the Showcase, and an invitation has also been extended to casting directors from production companies that work with CBS. "Word is out all around town. These showcases are the place to find fresh faces and new voices," said Peter Golden, Executive Vice President, Talent and Casting, CBS and Paramount.

The Network's on-going talent showcases are part of the CBS Diversity Institute, a comprehensive program designed to identify and develop diversity within the writing, directing and talent communities. In addition to the Minority Talent Showcases, currently in their fifth year, the CBS Diversity Institute also includes the CBS Writers Mentoring Program and the CBS Directing Initiative.

Other CBS showcases have included Latino American Talent Showcases in partnership with NOSOTROS, Native American Talent Showcases in association with American Indians in Film and Television, Asian Pacific American Actors Showcases in association with East West Players, African American Showcases in collaboration with The Robey Theatre Company and a showcase for performers with disabilities in association with the California State Media Access Office. More events are planned with these and other groups.